If you have vulvodynia, you're not alone. About one in five women will suffer with chronic vulvar pain at some point in their lives.

The word vulvodynia means "painful vulva." The vulva is the area surrounding the vaginal opening, including the labia, vestibule and clitoris.

Vulvodynia is not caused by infection or cancer.

Women who suffer with vulvodynia report burning, stinging, irritation and rawness in the vulva area that lasts for at least three months.

For some, this pain affects the whole vulva; for others it is localized to one area. Pain may be constant or episodic, often triggered by tampon insertion, sexual activity, an OB/GYN exam or exercise, especially bicycling or horseback riding.

Vulvodynia can begin as early as adolescence. While the condition affects women of all ages, it typically first appears between the ages of 18 and 25; the risk of vulvodynia drops significantly after age 35.

Chronic vulvar pain is poorly understood and often misdiagnosed. One study found that almost 60 percent of patients visit three or more health care providers when seeking a diagnosis, and of those, 40 percent remain undiagnosed. If you suspect you have vulvodynia, talk with your health care provider and be persistent. You may want to bring information about vulvodynia with you to your next appointment.

To diagnose vulvodynia, your doctor will first rule out other causes of vulvar pain, such as yeast or bacterial infections or skin conditions. A common test for vulvodynia is the cotton swab test in which your health care professional will apply pressure to different parts of the vulva to locate the pain and determine how severe it is.

There are a number of drug and nondrug treatment options to alleviate pain symptoms. These may include advice on vulvar skin care, medications, physical therapy, biofeedback, dietary changes and counseling, among others.

Because genital conditions are not openly discussed, in addition to the limits vulvar pain places on daily activities, many women with vulvodynia feel isolated and depressed. If you are feeling depressed, seek help from a health care professional. A support group may also be helpful.